New boating border law on horizon
Navigating the confusing regulations that govern boaters in the Windsor-Essex region could get a lot easier if a proposed amendment completes its voyage through the House of Commons before members rise for summer break.
Tracey Ramsey, the MP for Essex (NDP), expects the Senate bill to receive Royal Assent “any day.”
Basically, the amendment will eliminate the obligation of intransit boaters to report to the Canadian Border Services Agency upon their return to Canadian waters.
“All parties agreed to try and move this through quickly, in time for the summer season,” Ramsey said. “That way people need not be concerned about these fines if they’re floating back and forth (over the unseen international border) fishing or having a fun day with the family.”
Regulations for those intending to anchor or come ashore remain the same on both sides of the border.
Ramsey noted under the law as it stands, boaters could be fined $1,000 for not reporting their return to Canadian waters.
“This will be a welcome relief for Canadian boaters,” she said.
“We don’t want people afraid they’re going to break the rules.”
Members of the Windsor Power and Sail Squadron held an information session earlier this year to explain the rather murky dimensions of an “in-transit exemption” that exists in this region because of the international border that runs through the Detroit River and into both Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie.
American boaters could bounce around on both sides of the watery border and did not need to alert any customs or immigration authorities as a result.
Many Canadian boaters believed they fell under the same exemption but in fact, if they crossed into U.S. waters they were then obligated to contact the CBSA once they crossed back into Canadian waters.
The only exception was if a boater travelled into U.S. waters for safety reasons such as avoiding a freighter or other obstacle.
“This legislation helps to eliminate these overly bureaucratic requirements and helps to streamline the Canadian and American rules,” Ramsey said. “Essex has many kilometres of shared, international shoreline along Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair and we rely upon our waterfront for recreation, agriculture, tourism and economic prosperity.”
Boaters are still required to check in with authorities if they anchor or tie up in a foreign country and all boaters must carry appropriate ID such as a passport or Nexus card.